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Should I invest in Max Life Smart Wealth Advantage Growth Par Plan?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 25, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Jul 16, 2024Hindi
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Hi I had decided to take a policy for Max Life Smart Wealth Advantage Growth Par Plan (A Non-Linked Participating Individual Life Insurance Savings Plan) I am 28 years old and investing 1.5 LPA annually with rate 8% roi this 1.5 i have to give annually till 12 years will instant interest return around 61k every year from 2nd year till 23rd year and the maturity will be on 25th year. Could you please suggest if this is a good investment to go with. please suggest

Ans: Evaluating Your Investment Choice
Understanding the Policy

Plan Type: Max Life Smart Wealth Advantage Growth Par Plan.
Premium: Rs 1.5 lakhs annually for 12 years.
Duration: Interest returns from 2nd to 23rd year; maturity at 25 years.
ROI: Projected rate of 8%.
Critical Analysis

Returns

Guaranteed vs. Non-Guaranteed: The plan offers participating benefits which are not guaranteed.
Expected Returns: Non-linked plans often have returns lower than market-linked investments.
Liquidity

Lock-in Period: Limited liquidity with long-term commitment.
Access to Funds: No easy access to your money until maturity.
Comparison with Other Options

Term Insurance

Coverage: Higher sum assured at a lower premium.
Simplicity: Pure risk cover without any investment component.
Public Provident Fund (PPF)

Safety: Government-backed and risk-free.
Returns: Around 7-8% currently, tax-free interest.
Mutual Funds

Potential Returns: Equity mutual funds can offer higher returns, though with higher risk.
Flexibility: SIP options provide flexibility in investment amounts and duration.
Recommendation Based on Risk Appetite

Risk-Averse Approach

Term Insurance: Opt for a term plan with adequate coverage.
PPF: Invest in PPF for assured, tax-free returns.
Benefits: Combines safety with adequate life coverage.
Willing to Take Risk

Term Insurance: Secure a term plan for life cover.
Mutual Funds: Invest in a diversified mutual fund portfolio for potential higher returns.
Benefits: Offers higher growth potential with life security.
Disadvantages of the Policy

Lower Returns: Potential returns may not match inflation and market-linked returns.
Lack of Flexibility: Long-term commitment with limited access to funds.
Advantages of Suggested Approach

Term Insurance + PPF

Security: Provides financial security for your family.
Stable Returns: Offers stable, risk-free returns.
Term Insurance + Mutual Funds

Growth: Potential for higher returns through equity exposure.
Flexibility: SIPs offer flexible investment amounts and durations.
Action Plan

Review Needs: Assess your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Consult CFP: Seek advice from a Certified Financial Planner for personalized planning.
Start Early: Begin with term insurance and a mix of PPF or mutual funds based on your risk appetite.
Final Insights

Better Options: The Max Life plan may not offer the best returns.
Alternative Investments: Consider term insurance combined with PPF or mutual funds.
Professional Advice: A CFP can help tailor a plan to meet your goals.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 08, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 12, 2023Hindi
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Is SBI Life wealth builder a good plan to invest 2.5 LPA for 7 years. I am 39 yr old NRI
Ans: Investing in SBI Life Wealth Builder may not be the most suitable option for several reasons:

High Charges: The plan incurs various charges, including premium allocation charges, policy administration charges, mortality charges, and fund management charges, which can significantly reduce the overall returns on investment.

Limited Flexibility: The plan offers limited flexibility in terms of premium payment options and withdrawal facilities, restricting the investor's ability to adjust their investment strategy according to changing financial needs.

Complex Structure: SBI Life Wealth Builder has a complex structure with multiple investment options, fund switching facilities, and lock-in periods, which may confuse investors and make it challenging to understand the true cost and benefits of the plan.

Uncertain Returns: The returns from SBI Life Wealth Builder are not guaranteed and are subject to market risks. Given the lack of transparency and high charges, investors may not achieve the expected returns, especially considering the volatility of the market.

Better Alternatives: There are other investment options available in the market, such as mutual funds, PPF, and ELSS, which offer potentially higher returns with lower charges and greater flexibility. Investors should explore these alternatives before committing to SBI Life Wealth Builder.

Overall, due to its high charges, limited flexibility, complex structure, uncertain returns, and the availability of better alternatives, investing in SBI Life Wealth Builder may not be the most prudent choice for investors.

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 06, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 10, 2024Hindi
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I invested in Max Life Monthly Income Advantage Plan year 50k since 2016 . Its good invest or not . Another is ICICI Pru Signature year 1.5 lk im not sure amount the returns any suggestions .
Ans: I'm happy to chat about your investments. It sounds like you've been proactive by putting money away for the future – that's great!

Let's talk about these plans you mentioned. These types of insurance-cum-investment products can be a bit tricky. While they offer a mix of insurance and investment, they might not always be the most suitable option for everyone.

Here's why:

Focus Split: These products try to do two things at once – provide insurance coverage and grow your money. This can sometimes mean they might not excel in either area.
Potential Lower Returns: The insurance component often comes with fees that can eat into your investment returns compared to pure investment options.
Instead, let's consider a different approach that might better suit your needs. Here's a possible strategy:

Term Insurance: This provides pure life insurance coverage at a lower cost. Think of it as a safety net for your loved ones in case of an unfortunate event.
Mutual Funds: These are investment vehicles that allow you to pool your money with others and invest in a variety of stocks or bonds. They offer the potential for higher returns compared to insurance-linked products.
This way, you get the security of life insurance and the potential for growth through mutual funds. It's like having a well-diversified team working for your financial goals!

Look, understanding financial products can be complex, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution. If you'd like to explore this further, I recommend chatting with a CFP. They can give you personalized advice based on your specific situation and financial goals. Don't worry, CFPs are there to guide you, not pressure you – they're on your team!

In the meantime, keep up the good work with saving and investing. It's a marathon, not a sprint, but with the right approach, you can reach your financial finish line!

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 17, 2024

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 15, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 14, 2024Hindi
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I am 31 years old ,I have 17.5 lacs in equity, investing 12000 in lic jeevan umang 20 yr plan, 10000 in icic prudential long term gift plan for 10 year , 5000 sip in mutalfund and sometimes lumpsum when I have extra money, I have 12 lacs in FD. I have family health insurance of 10 lacs , I have no major emi at present. Is my investment ok ?
Ans: As a Certified Financial Planner, I commend you for taking steps towards securing your financial future. Let's assess your current investment strategy to ensure it aligns with your long-term goals.

Appreciating Your Financial Savvy
At 31, you've demonstrated prudence by diversifying your investments across various asset classes. Your approach reflects a blend of risk management and wealth accumulation, laying a solid foundation for financial stability.

Analyzing Your Investment Allocation
Equity Investments
With ?17.5 lakhs in equity, you've positioned yourself to potentially benefit from the growth potential of the stock market. Equity investments can offer higher returns over the long term, albeit with higher volatility.

Insurance-Linked Savings
Investing ?12,000 monthly in a life insurance plan and ?10,000 in a long-term gift plan exhibits a focus on risk mitigation and long-term savings. However, it's crucial to evaluate the terms, returns, and suitability of these plans in achieving your financial objectives.

Insurance-cum-investment schemes
Insurance-cum-investment schemes (ULIPs, endowment plans) offer a one-stop solution for insurance and investment needs. However, they might not be the best choice for pure investment due to:
• Lower Potential Returns: Guaranteed returns are usually lower than what MFs can offer through market exposure.
• Higher Costs: Multiple fees in insurance plans (allocation charges, admin fees) can reduce returns compared to the expense ratio of MFs.
• Limited Flexibility: Lock-in periods restrict access to your money, whereas MFs provide more flexibility.
MFs, on the other hand, focus solely on investment and offer:
• Potentially Higher Returns: Investments in stocks and bonds can lead to higher growth compared to guaranteed returns.
• Lower Costs: Expense ratios in MFs are generally lower than the multiple fees in insurance plans.
• Greater Control: You have a wider range of investment options and control over asset allocation to suit your risk appetite.
Consider your goals!
• Need life insurance? Term Insurance plans might be suitable.
• Focus on growing wealth? MFs might be a better option due to their flexibility and return potential.

Mutual Fund SIPs
Allocating ?5,000 monthly to SIPs demonstrates a commitment to systematic investing, harnessing the power of rupee cost averaging. However, ensure your mutual fund selection aligns with your risk tolerance and investment horizon.

Fixed Deposits
Maintaining ?12 lakhs in fixed deposits offers stability and liquidity but may not provide optimal returns compared to other investment avenues. Consider reassessing this allocation to potentially enhance returns without compromising safety.

Assessing Your Risk Management
Your family health insurance cover of ?10 lakhs safeguards against unforeseen medical expenses, a crucial aspect of financial planning. However, periodically review your coverage to ensure it remains adequate as your family's needs evolve.

Addressing Potential Considerations
Emergency Fund
While your FDs serve as a form of emergency fund, consider segregating a portion for immediate access in case of unforeseen expenses. Aim for 3-6 months' worth of living expenses in a liquid account for added financial security.

Retirement Planning
As you progress in your career, prioritize building a robust retirement corpus to maintain your desired lifestyle post-employment. Consider exploring retirement-focused investment avenues like provident funds or pension plans to supplement your existing savings.

Regular Portfolio Review
Periodically review your investment portfolio with a Certified Financial Planner to reassess your goals, risk tolerance, and market conditions. Adjust your strategy as needed to stay on track towards achieving financial independence.

Conclusion
In conclusion, your investment approach reflects a commendable balance of risk management and wealth accumulation. However, continuous monitoring and periodic adjustments are essential to ensure your portfolio remains aligned with your evolving financial aspirations.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Nov 22, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 13, 2024Hindi
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Sir, I am 40yrs old. Having monthly takehome salary of 1.1 lakh and rental income of 36000. My investment are 2 flats worth of 1cr. 4 plots in Bhubaneswar worth of 2crs. EPF balance 50 lakh, LIC policies worth of 16 lakhs, NPS worth of 10 lakhs. My monthly saving commitments are - EPF (employee+employer) 28000 NPS 15000 MF 7500 Gold scheme 5000 Financial burden - HL emi of 24000 Monthly expanses 50000 I would like to retire at 50. Please advise for retirement plan with life expectancy of 80yrs.
Ans: Hello;

The value of your investments after 10 years;

A. EPF Corpus+Contribution: 1.6 Cr
B. NPS Corpus+Contribution: 53 L
C. MF(sip) + Gold(sip): 25 L
D. Real estate (land): 3.26 Cr

So sum of A, C & D gives us a corpus of 5.11 Cr

Since you will withdraw NPS before 60 age 80% of corpus will go into annuity while 20% will be available to you.

So you may expect monthly income of around 21 K from annuity(42.4 L).

Balance 10.6 L get added to 5.11L taking your total corpus to ~ 5.2 Cr.

If you invest 5 Cr in a conservative hybrid debt fund and do a SWP at the rate of 3%, you may expect a monthly income of around 1.1 L(post-tax).

Add your monthly rental income of 36 K(No growth factored) and annuity income of 21 K to this and you have total monthly income of 1.67 L after 10 years.

Your current monthly expenses of 50 K after 10 years would be around 90 K and 1.6 L after 20 years.

Considering return of around 7-7.5% from the conservative hybrid debt fund you will still generate inflation adjusted return at 3% SWP after 80 years of age.

Assumptions:
Inflation rate-6%
Return from EPF-8%
Return from NPS-9%
Return from MF-10%
Return from gold-7%
Return from Land-5%
Annuity rate-6%

The spare flat is not considered in this because it will continue to yield you rental income in retirement.

Since real estate(land) returns may fluctuate over 10 years suggest to increase MF sip(6X) as a back-up, also in this case you may decide to retain & invest in NPS upto 60 age.

Of course MF returns are also not assured but you are improving the odds by backing two appreciable assets(RE & equity) over long-term.

Happy Investing;
X: @mars_invest

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 22, 2024

Money
My age 62, male, getting rental income Rs. 90k nett. Already subscribing 12.5k in PPF for the past 2 1/2 years. No other investments. My target is 5 crores in 10 years. I already have Mediclaim Rs.50 lakhs for me & wife . Please advice me what to do.
Ans: Your current financial foundation is strong and shows promise:

A rental income of Rs. 90,000 per month provides consistent and predictable cash flow. This stability can serve as the backbone for your investment strategy.

PPF contributions of Rs. 12,500 per month for 2.5 years reflect disciplined saving. However, its returns may be insufficient to achieve a high-growth target like Rs. 5 crores in 10 years.

A robust Mediclaim policy of Rs. 50 lakhs for you and your wife ensures adequate health coverage. This safeguard allows you to focus on wealth-building without worrying about medical emergencies.

Despite these positive factors, achieving Rs. 5 crores in 10 years requires a carefully crafted and growth-oriented strategy.

Defining and Prioritising Your Financial Goals
Achieving Rs. 5 crores is ambitious yet achievable with a focused approach:

Define this target as your primary financial goal over the next decade.

Break it into manageable milestones: for example, Rs. 50 lakhs every 1-2 years in cumulative investments and growth.

Prioritise high-return investments that align with your risk tolerance and financial capacity.

Optimising Existing PPF Contributions
While PPF is a secure investment, its growth potential is limited:

Returns: PPF currently offers an interest rate of approximately 7-7.5%, which barely outpaces inflation.

Contribution Review: Consider capping your PPF contributions at Rs. 1.5 lakh annually (to utilise the Section 80C benefit). This ensures that excess funds are redirected to higher-return investments.

PPF can serve as a low-risk component of your portfolio but should not dominate your investment strategy.

Building a Diversified Investment Portfolio
A diversified portfolio will provide a balance of risk and reward. Include the following components:

1. Equity Mutual Funds for Growth
Equity mutual funds are essential for achieving high returns over the long term:

Large-Cap Funds: These invest in established companies and offer stability with moderate growth. They are ideal for a portion of your portfolio to reduce risk.

Multi-Cap or Flexi-Cap Funds: These provide exposure to companies of all sizes, offering growth and diversification.

Sectoral and Thematic Funds: Avoid these unless you have a high risk tolerance and understand market dynamics.

ELSS Funds: These not only provide tax savings under Section 80C but also deliver market-linked returns.

Why Avoid Index Funds?

Index funds may offer simplicity and lower expense ratios, but they lack flexibility. They cannot adapt to market conditions or capitalise on outperforming sectors. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, have the potential to outperform the market, especially in a developing economy like India.

Start with a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in selected funds to build wealth steadily.

2. Debt Mutual Funds for Stability
Debt funds add stability to your portfolio and reduce overall risk:

Choose funds with low credit risk and moderate duration to ensure safety and predictable returns.

Debt funds are suitable for short- to medium-term goals or as a fallback during market corrections.

Taxation Note: Both LTCG and STCG on debt funds are taxed as per your income tax slab. This should be factored into your planning.

3. Balanced Advantage Funds
Balanced advantage funds (BAFs) dynamically allocate assets between equity and debt. They:

Provide exposure to equity while minimising downside risk.

Offer a suitable option for someone nearing retirement but seeking growth.

4. Gold Investments for Diversification
Allocate a small portion (5-10%) of your portfolio to gold:

Gold serves as a hedge against inflation and currency depreciation.

Choose gold ETFs or sovereign gold bonds for ease of liquidity and better returns.

Emergency Fund Creation
Having an emergency fund is non-negotiable:

Maintain at least 6-12 months of expenses in liquid investments like liquid mutual funds or high-interest savings accounts.

This ensures liquidity for unforeseen events without disturbing your long-term investments.

Focus on Retirement Planning
At 62, balancing growth and safety becomes critical:

Estimate your monthly retirement expenses, considering inflation over the next 10-15 years.

Your target of Rs. 5 crores should primarily serve as your retirement corpus.

Allocate assets thoughtfully:

60-70% in equity funds for growth.
30-40% in debt funds for stability.
Periodically rebalance your portfolio to maintain this allocation.

Strategic Tax Planning
Tax efficiency can significantly impact your returns:

Continue using Section 80C to its full potential, including ELSS funds and PPF.

Consider the National Pension System (NPS) for an additional Rs. 50,000 deduction under Section 80CCD(1B).

Be mindful of the new taxation rules for mutual funds:

Equity Mutual Funds: LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%; STCG at 20%.
Debt Funds: LTCG and STCG are taxed as per your income slab.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner to optimise your tax strategy.

Regular Portfolio Monitoring and Rebalancing
Investing is not a one-time activity:

Review your portfolio every six months or annually to track performance.

Rebalance your asset allocation periodically to align with your financial goals and risk appetite.

Stay committed to SIPs even during market downturns, as this ensures cost-averaging.

Additional Suggestions
Avoid Over-Reliance on PPF
While PPF is safe, it is not sufficient for wealth creation. Shift excess contributions to equity-based investments for better returns.

Avoid Direct Stocks
Direct equity investing requires time, expertise, and constant monitoring. It carries higher risk and may lead to losses without proper research. Instead, rely on equity mutual funds managed by professionals.

Avoid Mixing Insurance and Investments
Do not invest in ULIPs or endowment plans, as they offer suboptimal returns. Stick to pure insurance products for protection and mutual funds for growth.

The Role of a Certified Financial Planner
To achieve Rs. 5 crores, a well-crafted financial plan is essential. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can:

Analyse your current investments and recommend improvements.

Design a customised strategy tailored to your income, expenses, and goals.

Provide periodic reviews to ensure you stay on track.

Finally
Achieving Rs. 5 crores in 10 years is a realistic goal if you adopt a disciplined and diversified approach.

Optimise your PPF contributions and channel excess funds into higher-growth investments.

Build a diversified portfolio with equity and debt mutual funds.

Include a small allocation to gold and maintain an emergency fund.

Stay consistent with your SIPs and review your investments regularly.

Work with a Certified Financial Planner to create a personalised roadmap.

By following these steps, you can secure your financial future and meet your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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